The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Its core purpose is to help organizations improve their software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.

Staff Profile

Kenneth E. Nidiffer

Director of Strategic Planning for Government Programs

Key Responsibilities

Dr Kenneth E. Nidiffer uses his management and technical leadership skills to build integrated product teams and his hands-on experience to solve complex technical problems. Ken creates a long-term focus to identify the technical needs and improvement opportunities in the government He then leverages his advanced knowledge in several areas of specialization in support of strategic engagements with government organizations. As Director of Strategic Planning, Ken also uses his technical capabilities, experience and knowledge of SEI products and services to define and develop a technical strategy for the SEI’s Programs. He then develops a framework that will enable the SEI to more effectively identify technical opportunities to integrate and transition SEI’s technology into acquisition programs. Ken is currently working on a project to improve his customer’s ability in acquiring products and services

Publications (recent or significant)

Addressing Software Engineering Challenges Over the Years and Into the Future, Software Tech, Vol. 10, No. 3, Department of Defense Information Analysis Center, October 2007.

Selection Of Investment Strategies Which Are Optimal For The Implementation Of Software Support Environments With Particular Attention To DoD, D.Sc. Dissertation, 14 February 1988, George Washington University

Software Assurance (SwA) R&D Strategy Recommendations for DoD (Draft), White Paperprepared for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OSD(R&E), November 23, 2013, CMU/SEI 2013